A. Conclusions of the committee

(open)

1. The Committee on Social Affairs,
Health and Sustainable Development welcomes the report on “Migration
as an opportunity for European development” prepared by Mr Andrea
Rigoni and approved unanimously by the Committee on Migration, Refugees
and Displaced Persons on 27 April 2017. It shares the concern about
recent portrayals of migrants as a threat and supports the need
to put in place new evidence-based, realistic and forward-looking
migration policies in Europe.

2. Whilst contributing to the positive message about migrants
and migration, the Social Affairs Committee wishes to highlight
the effects of migration on both the countries of origin and destination
from the social angle. It also proposes several amendments to the
draft resolution, in order to assist the integration of all migrants and
the full respect of their fundamental rights.

B. Proposed amendments

(open)

Amendment A (to the draft resolution)

In paragraph 5, after the words “evidence-based”, insert the
words “, realistic and forward-looking”.

Explanatory note:

To reap the benefits of migration, member States have to adopt
a strategic approach to regulating migration.

Amendment B (to the draft resolution)

In paragraph 7, before the words “legal opportunities for
migration to Europe”, insert the word “safe”.

Explanatory note:

Pathways for migration must be safe procedures, safer than
the current “hotspots”.

Amendment C (to the draft resolution)

At the end of paragraph 9.1.2, add the following words:

“, as
well as providing opportunities and integration measures that specifically
target low-skilled and less educated migrants”

Explanatory note:

Low-skilled and less educated migrants could also be very
beneficial for Europe, if only they received the right support in
the form of opportunities and integration measures.

Amendment D (to the draft resolution)

After paragraph 9.3.6, insert the following paragraph:

“ensuring
access to affordable and adequate health services for all migrants,
regardless of their legal status;”

Explanatory note:

Next to education and citizenship, access to health care is
paramount to promoting inclusive societies, notably by enabling
the full and active participation of migrants. The latest Health
Evidence Network (HEN) report of the World Health Organization (WHO)
(2016) demonstrates that variations of definitions used for different groups
of migrants in different areas affect access to health care. Legal
status emerged as one of the most significant factors in determining
whether migrants were able to access affordable and adequate health services.

1. Integration of national economies
in Europe, globalisation and changing demographics, but also armed conflicts,
environmental disasters and the search for greater well-being have
altogether intensified migration flows inside and into Europe, in
particular towards high-income countries. This new reality has been exploited by
extremist and populist parties, as well as certain media outlets,
all stoking fears among the local population, often on the basis
of distorted or exaggerated facts. To reassure the population and
provide dignified support to migrants, the State authorities across
Europe need to adapt their migration policies in such a manner that the
impact of migration on both the countries of origin and of destination
are optimised in full respect of human rights and European values.
Ignoring the need for accommodating the phenomenon of increased
migration is no longer a tenable position.

2. Given the widespread negative perception of the consequences
of migration, the positive voice on migrants in Mr Rigoni’s report
is a powerful message and a roadmap for action. It offers concrete
answers to the Parliamentary Assembly’s concerns about the leading
negative approach to migration: the perceived threats could be turned
into opportunities for development and hence enhanced prosperity
for the local population and migrants alike. This, however, requires
a strategic approach by the State authorities.

3. Migration, whether intra-European or from outside the continent,
provides for the mobility of talents, skills and competences. Given
the existing shortages in the labour force in Europe, all migrants
should get a fair chance to access the labour market, irrespective
of their skills, education or health status. If such access cannot
be guaranteed, the risk is that migrants may take jobs in the informal
economy, with the resulting weakening of their social protection,
losses to the State budget from non-perceived social contributions
and possibly even exploitation in clandestine workshops or criminal
circuits.

4. Healthy low-skilled and less educated migrants could also
be very beneficial for Europe, if the necessary targeted policy
measures are implemented. Therefore, we have to provide better information
on available jobs, more training options and adequate integration
measures that specifically target this category of migrants. Moreover,
State authorities must ensure that all migrants receive a decent
salary that corresponds to their skills and helps prevent social
dumping.

5. The “brain drain” effects of migration on source countries
(which include many Council of Europe member States) should not
be underestimated. Whereas destination countries clearly benefit
from this “brain gain” through the influx of well-qualified migrants
seeking a higher income, the countries of origin lose their investment
in the education of emigrants – unless they devise policies that
attract them back, or compensate by integrating skilled migrants
from other countries.

6. The reality about irregular migration is that only a fraction
of migrants will be allowed to stay. For those who can stay, it
is good policy to promote targeted national regularisation programmes,
and for those who cannot stay, we have to ensure humane treatment
with full respect for fundamental rights. We also have to show due
care for family needs through social policies so that no children
are left behind either in source countries of migrants or in destination
countries. The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights has repeatedly
pointed out that migrant children are one of the most vulnerable
population groups in Europe and “often are denied basic health care
and education, and run the risk of being exploited by traffickers
or smugglers”. This is why a call for action to promote inclusive
societies, as highlighted in the draft resolution put forward by
the Migration Committee, warrants our urgent attention and full
support.

7. International humanitarian standards and guidelines exist.
It is, therefore, not necessary to search for new standards, but
to effectively apply the existing ones. In order to do so, it is
important to recall them and assist member States in adapting their
policies for implementation. Finally, although the global governance
of migratory flows is very limited at present, it is the duty of
the Assembly to also remind member States of their migration-related
commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals; those commitments
can be upheld through proper use of the major Council of Europe
instruments, in particular the European Social Charter treaty system.